NSF is an award winning leading STI organization having 56 years of service to the nation towards progressive advancement of the National Science Technology Innovation (STI) ecosystem hence making a substantial contribution to socio-economic development and wellbeing of the people. In 2023, NSF won the Gold Award for the best annual report at the ceremony, organized by the Association of Public Finance Accountants, Sri Lanka (APFASL) implying that the organization has reached the highest standards of good governance. Reflecting the NSF commitment, dedication and devotion in strengthening the STI sector in Sri Lanka, in 2023, NSF won the “Best Performance Award" among the Science and Technology Institutions in Sri Lanka from the National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC), the entity vested with powers to review and evaluate performance of Science and Technology Institutions. In recognition to the exceptional performance in science popularization, fostering science education and uplifting the science literacy of the nation, NSF accoladed with ‘Manthan’ Award South Asia from the Digital Empowerment Foundation, New Delhi, India and ‘e-Swabhimani’ award from ICTA in 2011.

NSF is always committed to deliver its mandate aligning with the National Policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with encouragement and guidance of the Director General and the Board of Management. NSF ‘Lab to Market’ model and the ‘Research into Practice’ model are well aligned with the ‘Scientific Solutions for the Society’, a high priority national concern.

The National Science Foundation functions under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The organization was initially established as the National Science Council (NSC) in 1968 (Act No. 09 of 1968). NSC was restructured as the Natural Resources, Energy and Science Authority (NARESA) in 1982 (Act No. 78 of 1981). After 16 years of service, NARESA was emerged as the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1998 by the Science and Technology Development Act No. 11 of 1994.

As a competent and capable Institute, with a team leading the way in exploring and adopting new technological tools, techniques, and best practices, NSF is dedicated to promote Science, Technology and Innovation for the economic and social prosperity of Sri Lanka. The NSF Team operates across many areas, with a focus on providing thought leadership and direction, by establishing and promoting best practices on research and development to provide appropriate recommendations and supporting science education in specific focus areas considered critical. Our core strength in propelling the organization to the success is the well qualified, experienced and skillful human capital.

Explore ! Experiment and to Excel ! with NSF you may change having an impact.